| Type: | metro district |
| Darıca | |
| Coordinates: | 40.7597°N 29.3856°W |
| Province: | Kocaeli |
| Leader Party: | AKP |
| Leader Name: | Muzaffer Bıyık |
| Area Total Km2: | 23 |
| Population Total: | 225602 |
| Population As Of: | 2022 |
| Postal Code: | 41700 |
| Area Code: | 0262 |
Darıca (Greek, Modern (1453-);: Δάριτζα, from the Byzantine τὰ Ῥίτζιον) is a municipality and district of Kocaeli Province, Turkey.[1] Its area is 23 km2,[2] and its population is 225,602 (2022).[3] The district Darıca was created in 2008 from part of the district of Gebze, along with the districts Çayırova and Dilovası.[4] [5] The current mayor is Muzaffer Bıyık.
Darıca takes its name from Darıca Castle which is situated in the centre of town and was constructed during the Roman period, between 297 BC and 74BC. Darıca exhibits the highest population density within the Kocaeli Province. In a contemporary context, the town plays host to an array of different cultures, however, prior to the 1920s, a vast majority of the population were of Greek, Orthodox origin.[6]
The town is located 3 km (1.8 mi) south of Gebze, 38km (24miles) southeast from Istanbul and sits 10km (10miles) from Sabiha Gokcen Airport, 50km (30miles) away from the Atatürk International Airport (the former passenger airport for Istanbul), and 90km (60miles) from Istanbul Airport in Arnavutköy. Darıca is in close proximity to large-scale transit infrastructure including the D-100 highway and the Turkish State Railway station for Kocaeli. Further, the district contains numerous social areas, plays host to a number of festivals and hosts the Faruk Yalçın Zoo in the Marmara Region.
There are 14 neighborhoods in Darıca District:[7]
Bayramoğlu is a peninsular area on the gulf near Darıca and is known for its predominantly natural environment, garnering a reputation as the modern holiday centre in the Marmara Region. The area's endowment of modern recreation facilities and a small beach are combined with the traditionally warm climate to make it an attractive destination to domestic and international travelers. There are cafeterias, restaurants, picnic areas, children's play groups along the beach as well as designated areas for fishing.
Dudayev Park is a suburban part of Darıca in which families spend time within play areas, cafes, and walking areas. The area features an Amphitheatre which is situated on the same land where the 'Fusion of Cultures and Cities' festival was held. During the festival, approximately 300,000 people descended on the park. The park is named after Dzhokhar Dudayev, the first president of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria. In 2021, the park's name was criticized by Ramzan Kadyrov and Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.[8]
Denize Sevgi Parkı features walking paths, cafes, restaurants, children's play groups and recreational areas within which residents play sport. From this area, there is also access to the sea.
Sancaktepe has the highest hill of Darıca. On 200 acres of land, with 15,000 trees planted, there are picnic areas, walking paths and a cafe. The Sancaktepe Landscape design received two awards across the country.
Historic houses. Darıca was established 378 BC. It hosts many historic structures like houses, castle and a lighthouse. The lighthouse was built in 1896.
Faruk Yalçın Zoo and Botanical Park (previously the Boğaziçi Zoo and Botanical Park) is built into 200,000 m2 area in Darıca and contains 3000 animals. The Park houses 300 kinds of animals and 500 kinds of plants.[9]